In this experiment, Hendricks County Jr. Leaders Emma and Lyric will use a National 4-H STEM Challenge Experiment Biofuel Blast to show how cellulose and sugars in plants can be used to create ethanol. The facilitator guide and youth guide for this activity with additional questions and information can be found at the bottom of this page. For more information about other National 4-H STEM Challenge activities, visit National 4-H STEM at https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/.

A few notes about this activity:

1. It can be done individually or with partners.

2. If possible, set the experiment supplies out ahead of time to help youth follow the instructions easier. (Warning: materials contain balloons)

3. Half of the partners get wheat and the other half get corn syrup. Both get yeast.

4. Be sure you have access to warm water, but not too hot!

5. At the bottom of this page are more resources, a supply list, and additional handouts!